The Spanish legend was expected to ink a new deal before Christmas and will be pleased to confirm his Catalonia stay until the age of 34, providing he continues to play a certain amount of matches in 2017-18, per the official report:

On Monday [Dec. 23, 2013] at midday, Andres Iniesta signed a new contract binding him to FC Barcelona until June 30, 2018.

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From 2017/18, his contract will be automatically extended provided he has appeared in a certain number of matches over the course of the season just ended.

United fans should at least be thankful they won't experience a month of false rumours regarding the 29-year-old and can expect David Moyes to outline alternative targets as he looks to strengthen the Premier League club's midfield.

Iniesta remains an important player for La Blaugrana and has made 22 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League this season, per WhoScored.com.

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He has scored one goal and provided three assists in that time, numbers that have perhaps suffered under Gerardo Martino's willingness to rotate the squad's major stars.

Having joined Barcelona as a 12-year-old prospect in 1996, few would have predicted the success Iniesta would help to achieve for both club and country.

His six La Liga titles and three Champions League wins headline a career that has also seen him score the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final and capture Euro 2012 with Spain.

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In the same year, Iniesta was named European Player of the Year for his continued quality and production of era-defining moments.

As noted by Sky Sports pundit and La Liga expert Graham Hunter, Iniesta could go on to become a future captain at the elite club.

Although many of Barcelona's old guard are entering the twilight of their careers, it's important to maintain individuals such as Iniesta.

He will remain a key figure as the club enters a transitional phase and can be expected to grab further glory during the remainder of his career.